Do Canadians need an ETIAS to travel to Europe?
Yes, as of 2026, Canadian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization. to enter Schengen countries, even for a short tourist stay.
This new formality will be required for visa-exempt Canadians wishing to stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period. The European Union is introducing this system to reinforce security while maintaining freedom of movement for its partners, in the same way as theCanadian ESTA, which some countries must obtain to travel to Canada.
What exactly is ETIAS?
The ETIAS is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization to be completed online. Once approved, it is electronically linked to the passport used to travel to Europe.
ETIAS authorization is required for :
- Tourism;
- Business travel;
- Family visits;
- Transit through a Schengen country.
The form is quick to fill in, and the reply is usually sent within 96 hours. Once approved, the authorization is valid for 3 years, or until the Canadian passport expires.
Do Canadians need a Schengen visa in addition to the ETIAS?
No. Canadians will continue to benefit from
The ETIAS is simply an
We have detailed the differences between the ETIAS and the Schengen visa.
However, for stays of over 90 days, or to work, study or settle in Europe, you’ll need a European visa.
How can Canadians apply for an ETIAS?
Here are the steps to follow as soon as the European system opens:
Le processus d’obtention de l’ETIAS se fait à 100% en ligne
- Compléter le formulaire en ligne
Remplir le formulaire sur le site officiel de l’ETIAS
- Fournir les informations personnelles
Saisir les informations personnelles d’identité, de passeport, de santé et de pays visités
- Payez les frais ETIAS
Le montant du prix de l’ETIAS doit être payé en ligne par carte bancaire pour valider la demande ETIAS. ETIAS est gratuit pour les -18 ans et les +70 ans
- Recevoir la confirmation par e-mail
Recevoir la confirmation d’obtention de l’autorisation ETIAS par e-mail sous 96h
- Voyager avec un passeport valide
Le voyageur doit se présenter à l’embarquement avec le passeport valide qui a servi à l’obtention de l’autorisation ETIAS obtenu
Which European countries require ETIAS for Canadians?
ETIAS will cover 30 countries: all Schengen member states plus Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus. Here are a few examples of popular destinations:
- ETIAS for France
- ETIAS for Italy
- ETIAS for Spain
- ETIAS for Germany
- ETIAS for the Netherlands
- ETIAS for Poland
- ETIAS for Belgium
- ETIAS for Portugal
- ETIAS for Greece
- ETIAS for Sweden
Click here for the full list of countries requiring ETIAS.
In a nutshell for Canadians
Starting in 2025, Canadians will be required to obtain ETIAS authorization before traveling to Europe. This new system is designed to prevent security risks while maintaining ease of travel for regular visitors. The process will be simple, fast and inexpensive, but compulsory.
FAQ – ETIAS for Canadian citizens
Oui, quelle que soit la durée du séjour (inférieure à 90 jours), tous les voyageurs devront avoir une autorisation ETIAS.
Oui, chaque enfant doit avoir une autorisation distincte, mais les moins de 18 ans n’ont pas à payer les frais.
Non. Il ne permet que les séjours touristiques ou d’affaires. Pour tout séjour long ou professionnel, il faut un visa.
Non. L’ETIAS est valable pour tous les pays de l’espace Schengen, tant que la durée totale ne dépasse pas 90 jours.